New Year, New You – How to Practice Self-Care in 2019

I have a small grain of hope–
one small crystal that gleams
clear colors out of transparency.

I need more.

I break off a fragment
to send you.

Please take
this grain of a grain of hope
so that mine won’t shrink.

Please share your fragment
so that yours will grow.

Only so, by division,
will hope increase,

like a clump of irises, which will cease to flower
unless you distribute
the clustered roots, unlikely source–
clumsy and earth-covered–
of grace.

One of my new year’s resolutions for 2019 is to read more poetry, so this poem seemed like the perfect way to kick off a new year of blog posts. There is something about the start of a new year that helps us wipe the slate clean of all our challenges from the past 12 months and start fresh with a positive mindset. It’s also an excellent time to reflect on what we need to do to make ourselves feel our best and practice a little self-care. If you want to rejuvenate your body and spirit this winter, here are a selection of upcoming tours with a focus on self-care:

Reconnect with Nature

For me, there is no better way to recharge my physical and mental batteries than to get outside in nature. Whether it’s a long walk on a deserted beach or sitting quietly in the woods, the beauty of nature has powerful healing energy. For those who feel the same way, this winter we are offering some amazing trips to some of the most beautiful places in British Columbia . There is something magical about the ancient trees and the wild shorelines in these locations that allows you to breathe deeper. So, if you haven’t experienced these awe-inspiring places for yourself, these tours are an excellent opportunity to do so in the most luxurious fashion possible.

Perched on the edge of the wild, west coast of Vancouver Island, the Wickaninnish Inn near Tofino combines heritage and elegance with untamed natural beauty. Framed by ancient rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, each room has a splendid ocean view. Travel + Leisure Magazine named the Inn the #1 property in North America in 2002 and Top Resort in Canada in 2012. The on-site Ancient Cedars Spa was named Best Hotel Spa Overall Worldwide in 2008. full itinerary from Victoria (waitlist only)

Kingfisher Wellness Retreat – May 6, 2019 – 3 Days

Nestled in a coastal forest on the east shore of Vancouver Island near Courtenay, the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Pamper yourself in the luxury of the Pacific Mist Spa where therapies focus on the rich ingredients of the sea, or enjoy the serenity of yoga by the sea at the beautiful Starfish Yoga Studio. full itinerary from Victoria

Haida Gwaii – multiple departures as shown below

Officially renamed from the Queen Charlotte Islands in 2009, Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of more than 150 islands located about 80 km off the northwest coast of British Columbia. As the westernmost point of Canada and is known for its rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, stunning array of marine life, giant cedars, and the vibrant Haida culture.

Soak Your Cares Away in a Hot Spring

The scientific study of the restorative benefits of naturally occurring mineral waters is known as balneology, and according to balneologists, soaking in highly mineralised water promotes health and wellness in a variety of ways. Natural hot springs have an especially high mineral content and can contain everything from calcium, magnesium, silica, lithium, and even radium. Beyond helping you relax, a soak in a hot spring can increase circulation, decrease blood pressure, help reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis, and improve skin conditions. Warm up and feel great this winter on one of our fantastic hot springs getaways.

Kootenay Hot Springs – February 18, 2019 – 5 days

The Kootenay region is known for its wealth of incredible natural features, including numerous hot springs. February is the perfect time to take in the snowy mountain scenery from the warmth of a steaming outdoor pool. This tour visits three hot springs: Fairmont, Radium and Ainsworth. Accommodation is right next to the hot pools at Fairmont for two nights and Ainsworth for two nights. Bring your swimsuit and be prepared to relax. full itinerary from Interior BC or full itinerary from Victoria

Harrison Hot Springs – March 12, 2019 – 3 days

Discover the art of rejuvenation at the always popular Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Nestled on the south shore of Harrison Lake, this lovely hotel has been welcoming guests for over 125 years. During your visit, you can soak in the five indoor and outdoor natural mineral hot springs pools or schedule a treatment at the exquisite Healing Springs Spa, with services that range from facials and massages to full body care packages. full itinerary from Interior BC

Learn New Things to Stay Young

As we age, we tend to be less and less likely to learn new things and this can actually be harmful to our mental health. Numerous studies have found that to help our brains retain their youthful health, we need to keep learning new skills and gaining new knowledge. According to one researcher, “It seems it is not enough just to get out and do something — it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar and mentally challenging, and that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially.” The new year is a great time to break out of our old habits and learn something new—a sport, a hobby, a foreign language, you name it! Join Wells Gray Tours this spring as we learn some new things on a getaway to Whistler. Each spring, the luxurious Chateau Whistler hotel hosts a ‘Seniors Spring Celebration’ for guests 55+ but young at heart, with a roster of scheduled activities and presentations to help you discover your new passion.

Whistler Spring Getaway – April 14, 2019 – 5 days

The Spring Seniors Celebration is an entertaining, enlightening, and thoroughly enjoyable three-night package at the luxurious Chateau Whistler with all meals included. With an assortment of activities ranging from walking tours, to crafts, to authentically local presentations, this colourful three-day itinerary will be the ideal celebration to revel in Spring’s arrival. Along with the many scheduled activities, free time has been allotted daily for you to enjoy at leisure. It could be a refreshing swim in the lap pool, a treatment at the spa, hot toddies around the fire on The Mallard Terrace, a walk on Whistler’s many nature trails, or shopping at the Village Square. In addition to our stay in Whistler we will also enjoy one night at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. full itinerary from Interior BC

Spend more quality time with your best friend/mother/sister

As women we spend a lot of time caring for other people – our children, aging parents, and spouses all take priority. Sometimes that means we don’t have enough time to connect with our girlfriends, sisters, mothers, and daughters in a relaxed environment. So, grab your BFFs, your mom, your sisters, or any of the important women in your life and join us for a ladies getaway to the Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, a luxurious, all-inclusive resort that is an experience unlike any other. And if you’re looking for a fabulous mother’s day gift, this is it!

Ladies Getaway to Echo Valley Ranch – May 21, 2019 – 4 days

Part ranch, part spa, part indescribable, the ranch sits amid hundreds of acres of pristine mountains, lush valleys, pine forests, and desert canyons. Start the day with a Thai yoga class, wander the ranch with the faithful border collies, get pampered in the award-winning world class spa, take a wine tasting or Thai cooking class, and gather around the campfire at the end of the day to enjoy some s’mores. Many options are available at additional cost including horseback riding, guided fishing, and gold panning. full itinerary from Interior BC

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions this year? Or are there any new destinations you’d love to travel to in 2019? We’d love to hear about it!